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How Darroll Powe Fits the New York Rangers

The move is a win-win for New York as they save money with the deal — about $500,000 over the next two years — and bring in a player that head coach John Tortorella will love.

When the deal was first announced, many likely sprinted to the stat sheet to see how many points Powe has attributed to the Wild this season. After seeing a big, fat zero, the deal was likely criticized.

Looking closer at the deal, the Rangers really made out well.

The 33-year-old Rupp is six years older than Powe to start. And what was he really bringing to this team?

He's known as an enforcer, but this season, we're picking both Aaron Asham and Stu Bickel to drop the gloves for this team before Rupp. Rupp has done so a few times this season, but has only looked good in one of his fights.

He's also really lost a step, and only plays in even strength situations. Rupp was never on the power play or penalty kill, really limiting his role in New York.

Powe, on the other hand, is a penalty killing specialist. Sure, he doesn't have a point this year, but did you know he blocked more shots last year than Ryan Callahan? I bet you didn't. If there's one thing you know about Tortorella, it's that he loves players who can block shots for the team.

That's exactly what Powe brings to the ice.

Powe ranked second in the league with 91 blocked shots, three more than Ryan Callahan who was ranked third. A team that is notoriously known for blocking shots, Powe will fit right in.

He adds depth to the roster, as he can play both center and wing, and will be an essential part of the team's penalty killing unit. In all, the Rangers made out great on this deal and Powe will find a home in the New York Rangers' lineup.

His only issue — he plans to wear No. 8 — so he'll have big shoes (or skates) to fill as Brandon Prust was a fan favorite last season.